How To Adjust Your Skincare Routine With Seasonal Changes

Once the frigid cold air from the winter has dissipated, we naturally swap out our warm winter gear for lighter outfits so our bodies can adjust to the heat. Well, the same should go for your skin routine! As the seasons and weather conditions change, our skin also changes as it adapts and adjusts to the altering temperatures and moisture levels in the air. So if you’re still using a heavy moisturizer once the summer hits, chances are you may endure some breakouts with the excess oil and sweat that our skin produces. To learn how to adjust your skincare routine with seasonal changes, here are our top tips from the experts.

Skincare Routine in Winter

Hydrate With Heavy Moisturizers

Let’s start off with the time of year we tend to dread most – winter! Here in Canada, we can endure some pretty intense weather conditions during the colder months, with temperatures plummeting well below – 30 Celsius at times. Combined with air that’s as dry as the Sahara Desert, it’s a lot that your skin has to put up with. To help replenish your skin’s moisture levels while repairing damage from those intense winter winds, always use a heavier moisturizer, and rich body butters to provide the hydration it needs.

Exfoliate Only Once Per Week

Though it may be tempting to scrub away those dead skin layers multiple times per week, it can actually end up doing more harm than good. Exfoliating too frequently in winter can aggravate the skin and even cause it to dry out faster. So stick to doing it once per week.

Don’t Forget The Sunscreen

We tend to forget that even on those gloomy-looking days, the sun’s UV rays still exist. And sometimes, the sun can be even more of a risk factor with the intense glares that reflect off of the snow. So before heading out, don’t forget to put on some sunscreen or use a moisturizer that has SPF factor 30.

Skincare Routine in Summer

Exfoliate Three Times Per Week

Once the humidity and warm temperatures return, your skin will need more frequent exfoliation to get rid of buildup along the surface. Use a gentle scrub three times per week to remove the dead skin cells so that your cleanser can effectively clean out your pores while your moisturizer hydrates deeper.

Use Serums & Lighter Moisturizers

During the summer, our bodies naturally produce more oil and sweat. And in order to prevent breakouts from occurring, it’s important for those with oily, normal or combo skin to swap out those heavy creams. Go for light serums or moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid. This helps to attract moisture without adding any additional oil to the skin’s surface.

Use Toner

Toner is good to use any time of year, but it’s particularly useful during the summer. It helps to keep your pores closed and tight, which reduces the likelihood of bacteria and dirt from entering them and causing breakouts. So after cleansing, apply some toner to tighten up those pores for a smoother, even complexion.

Apply Sunscreen

Of course, during the stifling summer, it’s imperative to protect your skin from the sun. Using an SPF moisturizer is a good way to shield your face, but don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your body too. And remember, the key to keeping your skin protected is to reapply after swimming and every two hours when you’re outside.

Treat Your Skin To Facials

Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, our skin has to endure a lot each and every day throughout the year. And with all of the harsh weather and environmental pollutants that are thrown at it, it deserves some deeper pampering once in a while. Professional skincare treatments like advanced facials, hydrafacials, and chemical peels can penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin to cleanse, nourish and rejuvenate it. From sun damage and acne to scarring and rosacea to premature signs of ageing – treatments such as these can work wonders from replenishing the look, feel and health of your skin with a single treatment.

When you’re looking to treat your skin, The Ottawa Skin Clinic offers a multitude of services to suit your needs. Just get in touch, and we’ll set up a consultation to discuss the conditions of your skin and what issues you’re experiencing. Then our skincare specialist will suggest the best treatments that can benefit you the most. Contact us today to set up an appointment.